Microspikes vs Crampons on Longs Peak

[Jimbo555]

I hope to climb Longs the week of Aug. 21st. I am from out-of-state and have never used microspikes or crampons. I climbed the Keyhole Route last summer when it was dry. Looking for recommendations on which one I should consider using; depending on the weather.

[Alpine Guy]

Haven't been up in several wks but I'm pretty sure the keyhole rt is snow free by now. You can call the RMNP ranger office to confirm.

[yaktoleft13]

I hiked it yesterday. At 8 am the homestretch had a thin layer of ice on it. I used microspikes and it was perfect. No slippage. Crampons would be overkill. Honestly, depending on the preceding day's weather you might not need anything, but I'd definitely bring spikes just in case.

[Jimbo555]

Appreciate the responses, just want to be prepared in case the weather is bad.

[peter303]

Rangers report this week mentions some of snow dustings this week are icy early morning.
https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/ ... report.htm
Most years August is ice-free. This year is unusual.

Added edit:
This article also says Longs has been icy recently:
http://www.greeleytribune.com/news/loca ... lics-help/
A few warm days could melt it all this time of year.

[Sean Nunn]

Rangers report this week mentions some of snow dustings this week are icy early morning.
https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/ ... report.htm
Most years August is ice-free. This year is unusual.

I was just going to ask about that. When I climbed Long's way back in 2001, at the tail end of July, I could not conceive of there being any ice or snow on it at that time. Just goes to show how much the weather varies from year to year.

[Ptglhs]

Crampons would be unsafe imo. If there isn't enough snow or ice to dig into you're trying to climb with metal tips on rock. I did Longs last year in early Sept. I brought trekkers but never used them. I should think Microspikes will be plenty.

[Scott P]

Crampons would be unsafe imo. If there isn't enough snow or ice to dig into you're trying to climb with metal tips on rock. I did Longs last year in early Sept. I brought trekkers but never used them. I should think Microspikes will be plenty.

This.

Rangers report this week mentions some of snow dustings this week are icy early morning.
https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/ ... report.htm
Most years August is ice-free. This year is unusual.

No, not unusual. It usually snows in August several times a year. It usually melts quickly though.

[Timothy]

I am from out-of-state and have never used microspikes or crampons.

As noted above, microspikes should be sufficient. Don't waste your money on Yak Trax unless you need something for walking from the car to the office when it is icy. Ice Trekkers are pretty good. Trekking poles would be a big help.

Training, practice, and an ice axe are essential before attempting a climb with crampons, but given current conditions crampons would mostly be extra weight without much utility.